(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Mayor Dave Snow on Thursday reflected on what was a very difficult week with the funeral service of Officer Seara Burton.  Snow posted "I am so proud of this entire community for navigating that difficulty with grace, dignity, and reverence for the heroic service of Officer Burton"  Snow also encouraged everyone to watch a short but professionally produced video looking back on Monday’s event.  You can find a link to that video on the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page and across social media.

(Richmond, IN)--Earlier this week, Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point reported some encouraging employment numbers for Wayne County.  But, what about inside the city of Richmond specifically?  There are some encouraging numbers there as well.  Since this point last year, there are a hundred more people actually working and 300 more people in the workforce.  Still, state numbers show that only 40% (39.97%) of Richmond’s population has a job and is working, in ways of varying degrees, to support the 60% that does not work.

(Richmond, IN)--Charges have been upgraded against a Richmond man accused of a recent shooting.  Chandler Walker now faces charges that include attempted murder and aggravated battery.  Walker allegedly shot Tyus Bell-Adcock on Hunt Street ten days ago and then led police on a chase.  Walker had previously been facing only a weapons charge, but those charges were upgraded after an interview with the victim.  Both men have lengthy criminal records, including three open felony cases each.  Bell-Adcock has been jailed and released eight times in the last year.

(Richmond, IN)--The large civil case against Wayne County Commissioner Ken Paust that was filed by First Bank Richmond has now been settled.  First Bank had pursued foreclosure on more than 90 acres of property owned by Paust on multiple tracts of land on U.S. 40, Salibury Road, and Woody Drive.  When the case was filed, Paust had explained that part of that land had been sold on contract to another party and that party had failed to pay Paust.  Paust said that allowing the issue to go to foreclosure was the easiest way for it to revert to First Bank.  In Wayne Circuit Court, a judgement has now been entered in favor of First Bank for roughly three quarters of a million dollars.  Court documents indicate the properties will be sold at sheriff’s sale.

(Laurel, IN)--The Whitewater Valley has a new millionaire.  Someone purchased a Powerball lottery ticket in Laurel for last Saturday night’s drawing.  That ticket did not match the Powerball, but did match all other numbers.  That means whoever has the ticket can claim a million dollars.  The winner has not yet come forward to claim his or her prize.

(Winchester, IN)--In Winchester, consideration is being given to install a Safe Haven Baby Box.  Those boxes allow an adult who is unwilling or unable to care for an infant to drop that infant off in a box on the outside of a building anonymously.  There’s already a baby box in Connersville.  The proposed Winchester location is at the fire station, and that’s typical of most baby boxes across Indiana.  Fundraising is already underway.  Winchester’s council wants to look into liability issues before taking a final vote for approval.

(Richmond, IN)--During Officer Seara Burton’s five-week fight after being shot last month, Primex Plastics distributed hundreds of yard signs with Seara’s image on it to anyone who wanted to show his or her support.  Now, Primex has announced a plan to use those same signs in a different way.  Beginning Friday, Primex will have outside bins at its facility on Industrial Parkway.  Residents can return those signs and the wire stands.   The material will then be recycled and converted into a mural for RPD, Officer Burton, and her family.

(Richmond, IN)--There’s still no modification appearing in Odyssey online court records in the charges against Phillip Lee.  He’s the man accused of shooting and killing RPD Officer Seara Burton.  Lee is still due for a pre-trial hearing this coming Monday in Wayne Circuit Court.  The charges Lee faces still include three counts of attempted murder, but nothing yet reflecting Officer Burton’s death.  Lee continues to be held Wednesday morning in a northern Indiana prison.

(Richmond, IN)--A young Wayne County man who has been racking up criminal charges all across Indiana has been returned to the Wayne County Jail on four counts of failing to appear.  21-year-old Jaylen Meltzer is being held for failing to appear on five different felony criminal cases involving drugs and weapons in less than two years.  He’s also got an active felony battery case in Henry County.  Meltzer was captured near Kokomo.  Meltzer now lists a Muncie address as his home.

(Richmond, IN)--More than 4000 people, including law enforcement officers from across the country, gathered in Richmond’s Tiernan Center Monday to honor the life and sacrifice of Officer Seara Burton.  Among those who spoke at the service were Richmond Mayor Dave Snow.  "Officer Burton has had an impact on all of us.  She, in her own way, touched all of our lives and left memories for all of us to cherish," Snow said.  "The weight of this badge has been nearly unbearable over the last several weeks," said Lieutenant Donnie Benedict.  Seara’s stepmother, Ami Miller, who is herself an RPD officer, had an emotional goodbye.  "Please was over us and rest easy." Seara’s fiancé, Sierra Neal, also spoke.  "I feel an emptiness without her here, but I will always be thankful for the love she gave me."  Seara was shot on August 10 and died on September 18.  She was sworn in as an officer in August of 2018.

The hearse carrying Officer Seara Burton on her final trip out of Richmond stopped in front of the City Building Monday for an emotional final call from dispatchers.  It began will a radio call for Seara’s identifier, K9-2.  The dispatcher, after thanking Seara for her service, then gave the final call.  That identifier will never again be used after being retired over the weekend.  The funeral procession then proceeded out of Richmond.

A day of remembrance and thanks for Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton ended Monday with a graveside service in a central Indiana cemetery in a section reserved specifically for law enforcement officers from around Indiana who died in the line of duty.  An FOP chaplain offered prayer with the backdrop of a setting sun.  "We now commit her earthly body to these hallowed grounds alongside her fellow heroes of public safety."  That was followed by a 21-gun salute.  At the end of the graveside service, family members and fellow officers each placed a white carnation on Seara’s casket.

(Richmond, IN)--The love and respect that Richmond feels for Officer Seara Burton was on display Sunday as thousands turned out for her visitation at the Richmond City Building.  That visitation was held from 2 until 7 Sunday and began with law enforcement agencies from both coasts of the country – Massachusetts and Oregon – and everywhere in between.  Then, it was members of the public.  Most people stood in line for hours to pass by her flag-draped casket inside the rotunda on the City Building’s second floor.  "They're coming out to be with her because it feels like they're all family," said Josh Brewer.  Here’s law enforcement clinical psychologist Kathy Platoni, who was on hand Sunday.  "This is a wake-up call for everyone of the dangers of law enforcement work.  We cannot fail to rally around them."  Kathy Jarrell is a Richmond resident who echoed the sentiments of many.  "I'm asking God...I'm praying for that family - that they will find healing and joy back inside their hearts."  Officer Burton’s police vehicle remains parked outside the City Building as a tribute and as a focal point for the community.

Many more people than the Tiernan Center can hold are expected for the funeral of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton Monday morning.  Doors will open to the public at 10 o’clock Mo nday morning in advance of the 11 o’clock start time, although law enforcement agencies will arrive much earlier than that.  Residents who want to attend are being advised to either take advantage of shuttle services or be prepared to park and walk an extended distance covering numerous blocks to Richmond High School.  Those locations include 6^th and Main, 8^th and Main, and near Wayne Bank at South 5^th and A.  There will also be numerous street closures around the high school.  That includes the G Street Bridge.

(Richmond, IN)--If you’d like to watch the funeral of Officer Seara Burton on Monday but are unable to attend in person, there are still a few ways to view it.  The entire service can be viewed locally on WCTV’s Channel 11 beginning at 11 o’clock.  It you live outside the viewing area, you can also stream the service on WCTV’s website.  Our news partners at Fox 59 will also stream the entire service on its website.  Their website will also follow the procession as it heads west.  At 5 o’clock Monday afternoon, Fox 59 will also stream the graveside service.  Another of our news partners, WHIO-TV, will have live cut-ins during their noon newscast.

(Richmond, IN)--There was a solemn service inside the Richmond City Building in advance of the public visitation on Sunday.  It was held to permanently honor Officer Seara Burton through the retirement of her badge number.  "It is with saddened heart that I hereby retire Badge #140 as well as the radio identifier K9-2 that Seara so proudly wore," said the law enforcement agent who was conducting the service.  It means that no RPD officer will ever again be assigned the badge number 140.  That badge number was also a feature of the public visitation on Sunday.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Mayor Dave Snow issued a recorded statement on Thursday about the upcoming two-day farewell to Officer Seara Burton.  It begins with public visitation from 2-7 p.m. Sunday at the City Building.  Snow said that the city has been preparing for a large volume of people, and they’ve made it easier for people to know where to park or catch a shuttle bus.  "Please understand, we are expecting a high volume of law enforcement and civilian guests from around the country.  Please go to richmondindiana.gov or find the City of Richmond on social media to see the parking and shuttle bus maps," Snow said.  The funeral takes place at 11 o’clock Monday morning at the Tiernan Center.

(Richmond, IN)--The city of Richmond on Thursday released the funeral procession route for Officer Seara Burton.  Once it leaves the Tiernan Center, the procession will cross the G Street Bridge and take 5^th Street to the City Building.  It will pause in front of the City Building for the final 10-42 call.  It will then travel west out of Richmond on U.S. 40 and continue on 40 for 76 miles to Crown Hill Cemetery in central Indiana.  Residents can again line the street as the procession leaves the city.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police caught an alleged meth dealer late Thursday afternoon.  50-year-old Timothy Carico was arrested on Williamsburg Pike.  Carico is no stranger to the Wayne County legal system.  He has seven previous felony arrests, including four in the last two years.  Two of those felony cases are still pending.  Both of those cases include the charge of being a serious violent felon in possession of a handgun.

(Richmond, IN)--Thousands of people are expected to attend the funeral of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton, and that’s prompted it to be scheduled to take place in Richmond High School’s Tiernan Center.  That includes law enforcement personnel from a wide radius around Richmond.  Visitation and funeral times for Officer Burton were announced Wednesday.  Visitation will be from 2 until 7 p.m. Sunday at the Richmond Municipal Building.  The funeral will follow at 11 o’clock on Monday morning at the Tiernan Center.  The public is invited to attend.  Richmond Community Schools announced Wednesday that it would have an e-learning day on Monday.  The procession route for Officer Burton is still being finalized.

(Wayne County, IN)--There were some very positive indicators when the state released new unemployment numbers for Indiana counties in our area this week.  First, there are 674 more people in Wayne County’s workforce than there were at this time last year.  Secondly, there are 741 more people actually working than at this point last year.  And, finally, unemployment rates have dropped in the last month.  Wayne County’s rate is three percent this morning.  That’s down from 3.6% last month.  Union County has our area’s lowest unemployment at 2.3%.

(Union County, IN)--One person was struck by a train Wednesday in Union County.  It happened at around 2:45 Wednesday afternoon at a railroad trestle near Patterson Road.  Multiple agencies responded and were able to locate and remove the man from the remote location.  He was flown to a Level One trauma center.  The man’s identity and condition have not been released.

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department on Tuesday issued a big thank-you to everyone who was involved in returning RPD Officer Seara Burton’s body to Richmond following her death a few days ago.  RPD said "It was truly amazing to see the streets, sidewalks, and overpasses lined with people to help welcome our hero, K-9 Officer Seara Burton, home.  Thank you for being a great community."  The statement also gave special thanks to Dayton police, which helped to arrange the procession.  Arrangements for Officer Burton were still pending Wednesday morning.

(Richmond, IN)--One person is hospitalized and another is behind bars following a shooting Tuesday morning on Hunt Street in Richmond.  Investigators say 21-year-old Chandler Walker shot 24-year-old Tyrus Bell-Adcock in the lower abdomen.  Bell-Adcock was taken to a Level One trauma center with injuries that were said to be non-life-threatening.  Walker allegedly fled the area and led police on a high-speed chase before giving up on Abington Pike.  There’s no word on what led to the shooting, but both men have extensive criminal records.  Walker has three pending felony cases, including one for armed robbery.  Bell-Adcock has three pending felony cases and has been jailed and released eight times in the last year.

(Richmond, IN)--This is Homecoming Week at Richmond High School, and things are finally returning to normal.  After being cancelled for two consecutive years, the tradition Homecoming parade takes place Wednesday night.  It will leave Cordell Pool at 6 Wednesday night, head east on West Main Street, and eventually take a right turn to the high school.  Streets including West Main will be closed on a rolling basis as the parade passes.

(Richmond, IN)--Arrangements for Officer Burton were still pending Tuesday morning.  A somber crowd of thousands of onlookers lined Richmond streets from the state line to Doan and Mills Funeral Home as the body of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton was returned home Monday.  The procession began with a huge police presence in Dayton.  Many of those officers followed Seara’s hearse all the way to Richmond.  First responders were perched on interstate overpasses in Preble County.  When the procession entered Richmond, residents along the streets saluted or held their hands over their hearts.  "It was a moving reminder of the price that all law enforcement potentially pay every day," said one onlooker.  "God bless and her family," said Mayor Dave Snow at Monday night’s meeting of Richmond Common Council.  The Richmond City Building has been darkened and flags have been lowered.  Monday, county commissioners announced they would follow suit with the courthouse and county flags.  Charges have not yet been upgraded against the man charged with shooting Officer Seara Burton, although it’s just a matter of time.  Phillip Lee remains in a state prison cell in northern Indiana on a probation violation.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond police are warning the public of someone who is doing the unthinkable in connection to the death of Officer Seara Burton.  Scammers are now trying to use her name and death to make money.  The online scam uses her photo, identifies her as a member of the Indiana Police Department (there is no such thing) and includes a button to click on to donate.  RPD is encouraging anyone that wants to donate to make sure they’re doing it to a legitimate fundraising event or account.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond’s Cody Hine was arrested and jailed again Monday as he continues to build an arrest record that defies belief.  In just the last 26 days, Hine has been arrested, jailed, and released ten different times.  Each time, he’s arrested on a relatively minor charged, jailed, released on his own recognizance after 48 hours, and then arrested and jailed again.  He was arrested for theft Monday at a gas station at South 5^th and E.  He will be released yet again Wednesday.

(Richmond, IN)--The body of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton will be returned to Richmond Monday afternoon.  Officer Burton died late Sunday night at Reid Health.  Her body was then taken to Dayton for autopsy.  A procession of law enforcement personnel will escort her casket back to Richmond Monday afternoon.  Members of the public, who have been incredibly supportive over the 39 days that have passed since she was shot, are being invited to line the streets of the city Monday afternoon.  Here are the details you’ll need to know:  The procession is leaving downtown Dayton at 1:30 Monday afternoon.  It will pass through Preble County on I-70 and will enter Richmond on U.S. 40 at the state line – likely at around 2:15.  It will then travel west along National Road East and East Main, and then to North A Street.  It will then make a left turn onto 5^th Street, where it will pass by her police vehicle.  That vehicle has sat in front of the city building and now serves as a focal point for the community.  From there, the procession will continue onto National Road West, where it will end at Doan & Mills Funeral Home.  Well-wishers who are lining the streets are being asked to stay in safe locations.  They’re also being asked to refrain from stopping on the shoulder of I-70.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton has died.  39 days after being shot during a drug investigation, Seara died at 9:59 Sunday night at Reid Health in Richmond after having been taken off of life support 19 days ago.  Support for Seara had poured in not only from Richmond and the Whitewater Valley, but from across the country and even the world.  The Richmond Police Department issued a statement early Mondayu morning.  Here it is in its entirety:  "We would sincerely like to thank the Richmond community and those who have supported Seara, her family, and the Department from near and far. Thank you to all of those who have shown unbelievable support throughout this very difficult time including Dayton Police Department, The Indiana State Police, Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police, Richmond Fire Department, Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, as well as many other agencies.  The family is extremely grateful for the massive amount of support from the community.  We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time."  Funeral services are pending and will be announced once they’re finalized.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Mayor Dave Snow has issued a statement following the passing of Officer Burton.  Here it is:  “Today is a sad day for everyone.  Please help us honor and remember Seara as the fighter and warrior she has shown all of us to be these last few weeks.  Our hearts are shattered as we learn of the passing of Officer Seara Burton.  She fought like a warrior through every minute of this battle.  Her endearing spirit, professional service, and shining personality will live with us for years to come.”  Snow said the lights at the Richmond City Building will be turned off beginning Monday night.  Flags will be lowered at all city buildings.  Snow is also asking Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb to request all flags statewide to be lowered to honor Officer Burton.

(Preble County, OH)--The permanent closure of several railroad crossings in Preble County has begun.  On Thursday, the last vehicles ever crossed the tracks on Conley and Daily Roads.  Now, Norfolk and Southern has permanently closed those crossings to install a second set of tracks.  Still to come is the closing of the much more heavily traveled Oxford-Gettysburg Road between State Route 122 and U.S. 35.  Hundreds of vehicles use that stretch of road every day.  That includes National Trail School buses, which will now see their travel times significantly expanded.

(Richmond, IN)--A man who was the subject of a search by US Marshals was taken into custody Thursday at Reid Health.  54-year-old Walter Powell will be picked up by Marshals on Friday.  Back in 2009 in Kentucky, he was convicted of possessing child pornography and for soliciting a child for sex.  He served five years in prison on those charges.  Details of why he was the subject of a search by marshals have not been released.

(Richmond, IN)--After no mention of her condition for the last couple of days, the Richmond Police Department posted again Thursday about Officer Seara Burton.  Most of the information over the last week has been that her condition had not changed.  On Thursday, that changed a little bit.  RPD did not mention her condition, but did say that she "continues to fight and show her strength."  It’s now been two weeks since she was removed from life support and 37 days since she was shot in the head during a drug investigation.  She remained at a Richmond hospice facility Friday morning.

(Bunker Hill, IN)--Phillip Lee is no longer listed as an inmate in the Montgomery County Jail.  The Richmond man charged with shooting Officer Seara Burton had waived extradition the day before, which enabled Indiana officials to return him to the Miami Correctional Facility near Kokomo to be held for a probation violation.  Meanwhile, the Richmond Police Department did not post any information about Seara on Wednesday.  Each day for the previous seven days, RPD indicated on its Facebook page that there had been no change in her condition.  She remains at a Richmond hospice facility.

(Richmond, IN)--The NTSB has released its final report on a fatal plane crash that occurred at the Richmond Municipal Airport in April of last year.  78-year-old Judson Costlow of Richmond was taking off en route to Missouri when his plane went down shortly after takeoff.   The report said that Costlow likely became disoriented in the fog that was present that morning.  He was not rated for instrument flight in low-visibility conditions.

(Wayne County, IN)--More details have been released about the fatal farm accident just north of Williamsburg that Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point News reported on Wedneday morning.  The Wayne County Sheriff’s Department identified the victim as 62-year-old John Frost.  Frost was using a tractor to remove a small tree from his Morgan Creek Road property on Tuesday afternoon when the tractor rolled over and trapped him underneath.  Frost was pronounced dead at the scene.

(Dayton, OH)--The man accused of shooting Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton is now headed back to prison in Indiana.  Phillip Lee appeared in a Montgomery County courtroom Tuesday, marking his first appearance since being released from the hospital.  Lee waived his extradition.  Once notified, Indiana authorities will be able to come and get him.  Lee is not expected to go to the Wayne County Jail.  Rather, he’ll go straight to prison because his new charges are a violation of his probation from his most recent of numerous prison sentences.  There has been no change in Seara’s condition in the last 24 hours.  At Tuesday's hearing, Lee questioned the charges he faces.  t’s a little difficult to understand, but here’s Lee questioning a judge yesterday about how many counts of attempted murder he’s currently facing (actuality 31305).  The answer is three, based on his alleged shooting of Officer Burton and firing at two other officers.  After waiving extradition yesterday, Lee is headed back to an Indiana prison on a parole violation.  His earliest release for his parole violation would be April of 2024 but that, of course, does not include any new charges connected to the shooting.

(Wayne County, IN)--No information has been released yet about what appears to have been a fatal farm accident in Wayne County Tuesday afternoon.  At around 2:30, first responders were sent to a farm on Morgan Creek Road a few miles north of Williamsburg.  Scanner traffic indicated that a 63-year-old man had become pinned under a tractor.  A medical helicopter was summoned but was cancelled before it arrived.  There’s no word yet on the man’s identity or what led to the incident.

(Richmond, IN)--There were a couple of reports of shots fired in Richmond late Tuesday night.  One report came from the area of the 300 block of South 10^th at just before midnight.  That report was unfounded.  But, another report from near South 6^th and P Street just before that was legitimate.  Scanner traffic indicates that there were bullet holes in at least one vehicle and shell casings were recovered.  Officers were reviewing video from nearby security cameras.  No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made.

(Richmond, IN)--Richmond Community Schools has been in session for a month now, and there appears to have been a lot of hiring going on.  On the day that school started – August 10 – the RCS website listed an incredible 64 job openings for certified and classified personnel.  On Tuesday morning, that number had been cut nearly in half and stood at 36.  Still, that’s far more than all four other public Wayne County school districts combined (24).  There are only six certified spots open at RCS.  Many of the 36 open positions are for paraprofessionals.  The RCS Board meets Wednesday afternoon.

(Richmond, IN)--No injuries were reported when someone shot up through the floor from a lower level to an upstairs apartment at the Greenwood Apartments on South 16^th in Richmond Monday afternoon.  Police arrived at took 27-year-old Tayonne Tevis into custody.  Tevis is charged with criminal recklessness and being a serious violent felon in possession of a handgun.  Four years ago, Tevis was charged with multiple counts of dealing drugs.  Most of those charges were dropped as part of a plea deal, and he was sentenced to just a year in prison.  There’s no word on what led to Monday’s shooting.

(Richmond, IN)--Here’s more on the expansion at the Richmond Baking Company that Kicks 96 and 101.7 The Point first reported on Monday morning.  On Monday afternoon, the EDC Board of Directors approved a $24,000 EDIT grant for the project.  A new second-shift production line will mean 38 new full-time jobs as part of a nearly three-quarter-of-a-million dollar investment.  That represents a 35% increase in the number of full-time employees, which stands today at 106.  Richmond Baking has operated in the city for more than 120 years.

(Richmond, IN)--On Monday night, a group of people went to the Richmond City Building to help with luminaries that now line the sidewalk in front of the police vehicle of Officer Seara Burton.  According to RPD, there has been no change in her condition in the last 24 hours.  There is also still no posted extradition hearing time for her accused shooter, Phillip Lee.  While at the city building Monday night, participant Josh Dyer snapped this incredible picture of the luminaries with a deep blue sky in the background.

(Dayton, OH)--Phillip Lee is no longer in the hospital.  He is, instead, in the Montgomery County Jail awaiting an extradition hearing.  The man accused of shooting Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton in the head a month ago was transferred to jail on Saturday.  The extradition hearing that will allow him to be returned to an Indiana prison is still pending. Lee will go to prison instead of the Wayne County Jail because the charges related to the shooting are a violation of his most recent parole.  Meanwhile, RPD indicated Sunday night that there had been no significant change in Officer Burton’s condition over the weekend.

(Connersville, IN)--An investigation is underway in Connersville after a dead body was found on Grand Avenue.  It was Saturday morning when investigators were sent to the 1300 block on the report of a dead male with no identification.  The death is being classified as suspicious, but investigators are not yet saying why or how long the body may have been there.  It’s the second time in a month a dead body has been located in Connersville with suspicious circumstances.  A man’s body was found with a gunshot wound recently in Dale Cemetery.

(Winchester, IN)--A former Randolph County principal has been cleared of all charges after a male student claimed to have had improper relations with her.  34-year-old Ashley Breedlove was principal at Union Elementary but resigned a couple of weeks before was arrested last November and charged with five counts of sexual misconduct with a minor.  Now, those charges have been dismissed and court records have been expunged.  Prosecutors now say there were inconsistent statements from the teenage accuser.  The Department of Child Services also found the allegations unsubstantiated.

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department is now providing daily updates on the condition of Officer Seara Burton – even if there is no significant change in her condition.  Those daily updates began Thursday on the department’s Facebook page.  It simply said that there had been no change.  Seara remained at a Richmond hospice facility Friday morning.  Saturday will mark the one-month point since she was shot in the head as she and her canine partner were about to perform a search on a drug suspect.

(Richmond, IN)--A long-time area teacher and coach has died.  Ken Jordan died Wednesday at Reid Health.  Jordan began his teaching and coaching career in 1964 at Centerville.  He coached football at Richmond throughout the 1980’s and was eventually inducted into both the Indiana Football and Wrestling Halls of Fame.  Visitation will be next Wednesday night at Doan and Mills Funeral Home.  Ken Jordan was 80.

(Winchester, IN)--A Winchester man has been sentenced to what amounts to life behind bars for murder.  62-year-old Monty Cook was handed a 64-year prison sentence after being found guilty last month by a Randolph County jury.  Cook killed David Brumley in the fall of 2018 at a Winchester home.  He then stole Brumley’s car, cash, and credit card and headed west.  Brumley’s brother spoke to Cook at the sentencing and said that Cook took his only remaining family member.  When Cook was given the chance to speak, he said nothing.

(Richmond, IN)--The Richmond Police Department posted a short statement on Officer Seara Burton on Wednesday.  It was the first statement since last Saturday.  It did not provide an updated condition, but simply asked for continued prayers and said that Seara is amazing and continues to fight.  It was a sentiment echoed by Mayor Dave Snow to Richmond Common Council.  "...continue to thank the community for the outpouring of support of Officer Burton and her family.  It's been tremendous.  Right now, our thoughts and prayers are focused on her and her family," Snow said.  Seara remained at a Richmond hospice center Thursday morning.

(Brookville, IN)--A Brookville child molester who was on the loose and eventually captured in Richmond has now been sentenced to 42 years in prison.  Jesse Meckley was given that sentence as part of a plea deal.  Here’s one of Meckley’s victims.  "They said he took the plea deal to make it easier for me and the other victims, but what good is that going to do me now?  He didn't do anything to make it easier before."  One of the charges against Meckley that was dropped was for rape.

(Richmond, IN)--Election Day is still a couple of months away, but Thursday night begins an opportunity to hear from candidates in all sorts of local political races.  WCTV begins its In Focus Candidate Forum series.  Each Thursday night from now until Election Day, WCTV will air a program focusing on a specific race.  Throughout September, the programs will concentrate on local school board races.  Up first Thursday night is Western Wayne.

(Richmond, IN)--Tributes continue for Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton, who remained in a hospice facility in Richmond Wednesday morning.  On Tuesday, Wayne County Deputy Brent Garrett, who is currently service overseas, posed for a picture with 46 of his fellow service members wearing a shirt with “Burton” written on it.  Others held signs that said “a true warrior”.  Back home, in front of the Richmond City Building, Officer Burton’s police vehicle remains parked Wednesday covered in flowers, flags, and other items of support.  An online auction, which had raised over $43,000 last week, resumed for five more hours Tuesday night.  And this was the two-night total:  "We are over $55,000.  Again, we couldn't have done it without all of the donations and all of you guys bidding," said Lori Troutwine with Luxe Lizzies Boutique, who organized and hosted the event.

(Preble County, OH)--The looming permanent closure of numerous Preble County railroad crossings is coming into focus.  Norfolk & Southern Railroad wants to permanently close multiple north-south roads that run between highways 35 and 122.  Daily and Conley Road could close as soon as in just a few weeks.  The much heavier traveled Oxford-Gettysburg Road now likely will not be closed until April of next year.  That closure will force traffic to the much more narrow Toby Road, which is now set for a $2.7 million upgrade.

(Richmond, IN)--There has been no update on the condition of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton since Saturday.  By Tuesday, it had been 27 days since she was shot in the head during a routine traffic stop and six days since she was removed from life support.  On Saturday, she was transported from Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton to an undisclosed hospice center in Richmond.  The most recent release from RPD indicated that the family is grateful for the support of the community but is asking for privacy.  RPD will update the public if there is a change in Seara’s condition.  Jail records indicate that the man accused of shooting Officer Burton is still in the hospital.  The charges Phillip Lee faces in connection to the shooting is a violation of his parole.  As soon as he is well enough to be released from the hospital, Lee will have an extradition hearing in Dayton.  The Indiana Department of Corrections will then take him into custody on the parole violation.  Lee has already been in prison five different times in Indiana.

(Wayne County, IN)--Three men were in the Wayne County Jail Tuesday morning following an arrest Monday on I-70, but they may not be there for long.  Two men who claimed their home was in Mexico and another who claims to be from Arizona were stopped near the State Road 1 exit.  A search of their vehicle turned up methamphetamine, marijuana, and a significant amount of cash hidden in a bumper.  All three are being held on charges that include drug possession and money laundering.  The three are set to be released on their own recognizance Wednesday morning and will be free if not picked up by Homeland Security.

(Richmond, IN)--Niqui McCown’s case has been featured numerous times on various national television shows, and now she’ll be featured again.  Niqui went missing from a southside Richmond laundry 21 years ago.  The cable channel Investigation Discovery, or ID, is taking the newest look.  Through original interviews with law enforcement and family members, the program looks at evidence and presents new theories.  The feature on Niqui is set to air this coming Sunday night at 11.

To the reader:  This update was written based on conditions that existed at 5:15 Friday morning.

(Dayton, OH)--There was been no update in the overnight hours or into Friday morning regarding the current condition of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton.  On Thursday afternoon, Richmond Mayor Dave Snow issued a statement after some media outlets and social media posts incorrectly reported that Officer Burton had died.  Snow said that any official statement about any changes to the condition of Officer Burton would come from Police Chief Mike Britt, and there has been no such statement since Thursday afternoon.  Seara was taken off life support Thursday and did continue to breathe on her own.  An honor walk was conducted Thursday inside Miami Valley Hospital in which members of local law enforcement agencies lined the hospital’s hallways as Seara was taken by.  There was still a large presence of officers at Miami Valley Friday morning.  Mayor Snow made a plea to the public Thursday after Officer Burton was taken off life support.  Snow asked for everyone to "help us maintain calm, respect, and privacy as Officer Burton rests quietly with her loved ones."  Snow added that he knows it’s a very difficult time for the community but that we all need to give Seara’s family as much peace as possible.

(Richmond, IN)--It is the outcome for RPD Officer Seara Burton that thousands had hoped and prayed would not be the case.  On Thursday, three weeks after being shot – allegedly by an accused child molester and career criminal – Officer Burton will be taken of life support.  The Richmond Police Department made the announcement Wednesday afternoon.  Here is their written statement in its entirety:

“Despite the very best efforts of all the doctors and nurses at Miami Valley Hospital, Officer Seara Burton’s injuries have been determined to be unrecoverable.  Tomorrow, Thursday, September 1, 2022, Seara will be taken off of life support.  Seara will live on and continue to be a hero with her selfless gift of organ donation.  Officer Burton will continue to serve others long after her passing.  Final arrangements for Officer Burton will be released in the coming days.  Seara’s family wanted to include the community in sharing this information.  The incredible outpouring of support has been truly heartwarming.  We ask that you please respect their privacy during this time.  The Chief’s office will put out more information once it becomes available.”

(Richmond, IN)--A man who is classified as a sex offender was arrested Wednesday after trying to enter Test Intermediate School in Richmond.  69-year-old Brian Wedding was taken into custody at about the time school was letting out for the day.  Wedding is charged with Unlawful Entry Of School Property By A Serious Sex Offender.  Back in 2004, he was convicted of soliciting a child for sex in Fayette County.

(Richmond, IN)--Even as the news that Officer Burton would be taken off of life support spread Wednesday afternoon, the community continued to rally around the RPD officer and others with whom she served.  An online auction organized by Lori Troutwine, who is the owner of Luxe Lizzie’s Boutique and who is the daughter of the late RPD Chief Jim Branum, raised thousands of dollars by auctioning lots of valuable merchandise donated by local businesses and individuals.  "Tonight, this is to honor her.  It's for RPD, for all of law enforcement, for her family, her friends, her fiance to know that we're still rallying around them, and hopefully they can feel our love," said Troutwine as she kicked off the auction Wednesday night.  The online event lasted for more than seven hours.